Attention!!! Pro Sports Daily will be down on Wednesday morning from 5:00am - 7:00am eastern time for database maintenance. All Sports Direct Inc. properties will be down during this scheduled outage.
Sorry for any inconvenience that this outage may cause.

If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Top 5 in some order is about the same on just about every prospect list. Some of the names and rankings kind of surprised me with the rest of it though. I was surprised to see Z Almonte that high along with Bichette, Pirela, Betances and Santana. I thought Montgomery, Ramirez, Campos were low and i was really surprised not to see Adams, Joesph, Depaula, Mitchell Tracy and Murphy didn't make the list at all

Top 5 in some order is about the same on just about every prospect list. Some of the names and rankings kind of surprised me with the rest of it though. I was surprised to see Z Almonte that high along with Bichette, Pirela, Betances and Santana. I thought Montgomery, Ramirez, Campos were low and i was really surprised not to see Adams, Joesph, Depaula, Mitchell Tracy and Murphy didn't make the list at all

Amongst the craziness of the Winter meetings, A-Rod’s injury, and all of the rumors that have been circulating, it’s time to take a break from all of the insanity and talk about the farm system. Relievers in the minor leagues are not the most glamorous players. They don’t get a lot of love in the rankings, they can fall off at any level, and they are often passed up for promotions to the major leagues for converted starters. The Yankees are one team, however, who has had some recent success with relief prospects, most notably David Robertson.

Since the D-Rob success story, they have used the draft to pick up some later round guys who end up being excellent relief prospects. Here I will highlight a few of the players who I think could make an impact in the major leagues. The system has never been so deep in relief pitching, and this could be the season where we start to benefit from a cheap, homegrown, phenomenal bullpen. Only 5 of these guys made the top 50 prospects.

10. RHP Manuel Barreda, 24-years-old, 5-foot-11, 190-pounds – One of the best fastballs in the system, he goes from 94-97 mph with it. He’s got a great slider. A good changeup will make him mor than just a LOOGY. 9.5 K/9, 5.1 BB/9 this season. The major key is control. He’ll start in Trenton this season.

9. RHP Dan Burawa, 24-years-old, 6-foot-2, 215-pounds – 2012 was a season lost to injury for Burawa, but he had moved quickly up to High-A leading up to that. He finally made it back for instructs and he’s ready to go. He’ll bring his 93-97 mph fastball and 88 mph slider with him to start this year. He’s on the older side, but not for a reliever. Could see him in the majors soon if he comes back ready to play. 7.5 K/9, 3.1 BB/9 on his career.

8. LHP James Pazos, 21-years-old, 6-foot-3, 220-pounds – 91-94 mph fastball, pinpoint fastball control, and he throws with his left hand. If he can develop a breaking ball or changeup, he’ll move quickly and could be more than just a LOOGY. Even if he’s just a LOOGY, that has significant value in the majors. 39 K and 19 BB in 40.1 innings this season.

7. RHP Preston Claiborne, 25-years-old, 6-foot-2, 215-pounds – The stuff isn’t overwhelming, but when you have good control and three big league pitches you’ve got a shot to contribute. He’s this high on the list because he is so close to contributing. He’s 91-94 with the fastball, a plus changeup, and a good slider. Claiborne is unlikely to be a backend reliever, but he has good control and could be a valuable middle reliever to the Yankees. 8.8 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 in his career with a 2.97 ERA.

6. RHP Kelvin Perez, 27-years-old, 6-foot-1, 185-pounds – 95-98 mph fastball, plus curve ball, and the ability to throw several other breaking pitches for strikes. He had a sudden uptick in stuff this season which put him on the fast track to the major leagues. He was always more of a junkballer, and dabbled in starting pitching for a while. Perez was more of an organizational arm until 2012. Now he’s on the brink of the major leagues with stuff that could put him in the back of a bullpen somewhere. It’s amazing how things can change so suddenly, even late in the game for relievers. He could contribute to a major league team in 2013. I say that because he was left off the 40 man roster, and a team could steal him this offseason. 85.2 innings, 81 K, and 40 walks this season.

5. RHP Tom Kahnle, 23-years-old, 6-foot-1, 220-pounds – Dude can hit 100 mph with the fastball. Not many guys can say that. His changeup has an 18 mph differential from his fastball. It’s hard enough to hit a 100 mph fastball, but imagine trying the hit an 82 mph changeup that’s moving the very next pitch. This is why his upside is so high. He developed some slider consistency this season and if he can control his pitches he has closer or set-up man written all over him. A whopping 11.7 K/9 this season with a 3.8 BB/9 in mostly High-A. If his control improves this season he could be in Triple-A relatively soon.

4. RHP Chase Whitley, 23-years-old, 6-foot-3, 215-pounds – 90-94 mph fastball with David Robertson-esque extension. He throws 2 sinkers, a changeup, and a slider as well. The slider is what turned his season around in Triple-A this season, and will likely be his ticket to the major leagues. He could be in the Yankees bullpen by the end of this season. He’s also a big kid, and while at 23 there’s not much projection left, we have seen people with upticks in velocity far beyond the age of 23. He’s already in a set-up man mold, but if he has an uptick, he could be 8th or 9th inning material. 7.8 K/9, 2.9 BB/9 in 2012. Close if not the best control on this list.

3. RHP Branden Pinder, 24-years-old, 6-foot-3, 210-pounds – 93-97 mph fastball with late life and great deception. His slider now tops out at 88-89 mph, and he has a decent changeup to go along with it all. He also gets great extension on his pitches. He had a rough start to the season this year, but he turned it around to finish with a 2.79 ERA, 8.7 K/9, and a 3.8 BB/9 in mostly High-A. He’ll be in Trenton next season, and if he picks up where he left off he’ll be in Scranton-Wilkes Barre soon enough. Easily the ceiling of a closer.

2. RHP Nick Goody, 21-years-old, 6-foot-1, 195-pounds – It was close between Goody and Pinder, but Goody was so dominant over three levels this season this choice ended up being an easy one. 92-96 mph fastball, knockout slider, working on a changeup. Just 32 innings pitched in his debut, but he struck out 52 batters, most of which were in Charleston. He’ll have a Mark Montgomery-like trajectory of he keeps this up, and he has a similar ceiling. His fastball is probably a bit better, but his slider isn’t as good as Montgomery’s. These two could anchor the Yankees bullpen for years to come, and they might even be able to fetch something decent in a trade.

1. RHP Mark Montgomery, 22-years-old, 5-foot-11, 205-pounds. He got some major attention in the Arizona Fall League this season including an All-Star nod. He was also recognized as one of the top prospects in the league. Best slider in the system hands down. 92-95 mph fastball with late life. He can actually control how much break he puts on the slider, making it even more difficult to hit for batters. His career ERA is 1.65, with a 14.6 K/9 and a 3.4 BB/9, and he’s shot across four levels in just 2 seasons. He’ll likely start in Double-A in what will be a stacked bullpen, but he could start in Triple-A. If he starts in Double-A, he’ll be in Triple-A in no time. He has maintained his high strikeout rate through the higher levels, and many are looking at him as the heir apparent to Mo. He just might be that guy.

With Barreda, Kahnle, Pinder, and Montgomery possibly starting in Double-A, the Thunder aren’t going to lose many close games. With Claiborne, Perez, and Whitley in Triple-A, the Yankees won’t be hurting for relief pitching depth either. That’s seven relief pitchers in the top two levels of this system. The bolus of talent is coming, and it could save the Yankees significant money in 2014 and beyond. One thing is for sure. The Yankees shouldn’t need to hand out any contracts to players like Rafael Soriano anymore.

My sleeper picks (2 pitchers and 2 hitters), I'll try not to choose popular names like Bird or Gumbs.

I agree with you on Gallegos, I'm excited to see how he progresses this year. Bird too, even if he's the popular guy. Jake Cave too. I think if given a shot in the majors Ronnier Mullister would hit and surprise a lot of people.

I agree with you on Gallegos, I'm excited to see how he progresses this year. Bird too, even if he's the popular guy. Jake Cave too. I think if given a shot in the majors Ronnier Mullister would hit and surprise a lot of people.

I really like Jake Cave. I think he jumps in the organizational top 10 after the season. He has a lot of Nick Markakis in his game.

Amongst the craziness of the Winter meetings, A-Rod’s injury, and all of the rumors that have been circulating, it’s time to take a break from all of the insanity and talk about the farm system. Relievers in the minor leagues are not the most glamorous players. They don’t get a lot of love in the rankings, they can fall off at any level, and they are often passed up for promotions to the major leagues for converted starters. The Yankees are one team, however, who has had some recent success with relief prospects, most notably David Robertson.

Since the D-Rob success story, they have used the draft to pick up some later round guys who end up being excellent relief prospects. Here I will highlight a few of the players who I think could make an impact in the major leagues. The system has never been so deep in relief pitching, and this could be the season where we start to benefit from a cheap, homegrown, phenomenal bullpen. Only 5 of these guys made the top 50 prospects.

10. RHP Manuel Barreda, 24-years-old, 5-foot-11, 190-pounds – One of the best fastballs in the system, he goes from 94-97 mph with it. He’s got a great slider. A good changeup will make him mor than just a LOOGY. 9.5 K/9, 5.1 BB/9 this season. The major key is control. He’ll start in Trenton this season.

9. RHP Dan Burawa, 24-years-old, 6-foot-2, 215-pounds – 2012 was a season lost to injury for Burawa, but he had moved quickly up to High-A leading up to that. He finally made it back for instructs and he’s ready to go. He’ll bring his 93-97 mph fastball and 88 mph slider with him to start this year. He’s on the older side, but not for a reliever. Could see him in the majors soon if he comes back ready to play. 7.5 K/9, 3.1 BB/9 on his career.

8. LHP James Pazos, 21-years-old, 6-foot-3, 220-pounds – 91-94 mph fastball, pinpoint fastball control, and he throws with his left hand. If he can develop a breaking ball or changeup, he’ll move quickly and could be more than just a LOOGY. Even if he’s just a LOOGY, that has significant value in the majors. 39 K and 19 BB in 40.1 innings this season.

7. RHP Preston Claiborne, 25-years-old, 6-foot-2, 215-pounds – The stuff isn’t overwhelming, but when you have good control and three big league pitches you’ve got a shot to contribute. He’s this high on the list because he is so close to contributing. He’s 91-94 with the fastball, a plus changeup, and a good slider. Claiborne is unlikely to be a backend reliever, but he has good control and could be a valuable middle reliever to the Yankees. 8.8 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 in his career with a 2.97 ERA.

6. RHP Kelvin Perez, 27-years-old, 6-foot-1, 185-pounds – 95-98 mph fastball, plus curve ball, and the ability to throw several other breaking pitches for strikes. He had a sudden uptick in stuff this season which put him on the fast track to the major leagues. He was always more of a junkballer, and dabbled in starting pitching for a while. Perez was more of an organizational arm until 2012. Now he’s on the brink of the major leagues with stuff that could put him in the back of a bullpen somewhere. It’s amazing how things can change so suddenly, even late in the game for relievers. He could contribute to a major league team in 2013. I say that because he was left off the 40 man roster, and a team could steal him this offseason. 85.2 innings, 81 K, and 40 walks this season.

5. RHP Tom Kahnle, 23-years-old, 6-foot-1, 220-pounds – Dude can hit 100 mph with the fastball. Not many guys can say that. His changeup has an 18 mph differential from his fastball. It’s hard enough to hit a 100 mph fastball, but imagine trying the hit an 82 mph changeup that’s moving the very next pitch. This is why his upside is so high. He developed some slider consistency this season and if he can control his pitches he has closer or set-up man written all over him. A whopping 11.7 K/9 this season with a 3.8 BB/9 in mostly High-A. If his control improves this season he could be in Triple-A relatively soon.

4. RHP Chase Whitley, 23-years-old, 6-foot-3, 215-pounds – 90-94 mph fastball with David Robertson-esque extension. He throws 2 sinkers, a changeup, and a slider as well. The slider is what turned his season around in Triple-A this season, and will likely be his ticket to the major leagues. He could be in the Yankees bullpen by the end of this season. He’s also a big kid, and while at 23 there’s not much projection left, we have seen people with upticks in velocity far beyond the age of 23. He’s already in a set-up man mold, but if he has an uptick, he could be 8th or 9th inning material. 7.8 K/9, 2.9 BB/9 in 2012. Close if not the best control on this list.

3. RHP Branden Pinder, 24-years-old, 6-foot-3, 210-pounds – 93-97 mph fastball with late life and great deception. His slider now tops out at 88-89 mph, and he has a decent changeup to go along with it all. He also gets great extension on his pitches. He had a rough start to the season this year, but he turned it around to finish with a 2.79 ERA, 8.7 K/9, and a 3.8 BB/9 in mostly High-A. He’ll be in Trenton next season, and if he picks up where he left off he’ll be in Scranton-Wilkes Barre soon enough. Easily the ceiling of a closer.

2. RHP Nick Goody, 21-years-old, 6-foot-1, 195-pounds – It was close between Goody and Pinder, but Goody was so dominant over three levels this season this choice ended up being an easy one. 92-96 mph fastball, knockout slider, working on a changeup. Just 32 innings pitched in his debut, but he struck out 52 batters, most of which were in Charleston. He’ll have a Mark Montgomery-like trajectory of he keeps this up, and he has a similar ceiling. His fastball is probably a bit better, but his slider isn’t as good as Montgomery’s. These two could anchor the Yankees bullpen for years to come, and they might even be able to fetch something decent in a trade.

1. RHP Mark Montgomery, 22-years-old, 5-foot-11, 205-pounds. He got some major attention in the Arizona Fall League this season including an All-Star nod. He was also recognized as one of the top prospects in the league. Best slider in the system hands down. 92-95 mph fastball with late life. He can actually control how much break he puts on the slider, making it even more difficult to hit for batters. His career ERA is 1.65, with a 14.6 K/9 and a 3.4 BB/9, and he’s shot across four levels in just 2 seasons. He’ll likely start in Double-A in what will be a stacked bullpen, but he could start in Triple-A. If he starts in Double-A, he’ll be in Triple-A in no time. He has maintained his high strikeout rate through the higher levels, and many are looking at him as the heir apparent to Mo. He just might be that guy.

With Barreda, Kahnle, Pinder, and Montgomery possibly starting in Double-A, the Thunder aren’t going to lose many close games. With Claiborne, Perez, and Whitley in Triple-A, the Yankees won’t be hurting for relief pitching depth either. That’s seven relief pitchers in the top two levels of this system. The bolus of talent is coming, and it could save the Yankees significant money in 2014 and beyond. One thing is for sure. The Yankees shouldn’t need to hand out any contracts to players like Rafael Soriano anymore.

At this point would you consider Montgomery to be our best pitching prospect in general? I just don't see a lot of potential outside of a handful of longshots at the lower levels (DePaula, the big kid from New Hampshire, Campos if he ever pitches again)

THE GOAT

Until a player reaches these PA numbers, lets not talk about how good they are.

My top 50 prospects w/ some info and some ML-comparisons. Note: Comparisons are just based of scouting videos and tools of the prospects. I don't want to hear how a "guy that compares to Ryan Zimmerman is lower than a guy who's comparison is AJ Burnett" or anything like that.

1- Mason Williams CF: Plus hitting ability and plus speed…plus defensive potential…developing power…average arm. There are some maturity concerns but that should improve with time...Super talented and athletic...

9- Brett Marshall RHP: Good sinker 91-93 with a borderline plus change-up (rated as the best in the organization according to BA)…Slider is still inconsistent but improving…MLB-ready…Durable since coming back from TJS. MLB Comp: Justin Masterson

10- Ty Hensley RHP: Big, strong kid…Already throws a mid 90’s fastball with a strong curveball..both pitches rate at a near plus level for the future…needs to improve command and show that the shoulder abnormality is a non-issue.

13- Bryan Mitchell RHP: Plus fastball velocity with arguably the best curveball in the system (BA rated it as the best curveball in the system)…Poor command is holding him back…He threw a career high in innings in 2012 and next year will be a big year for him. MLB Comp: Edinson Volquez

15- Greg Bird 1B: Plus offensive potential especially in the power department. He has the tools to be at least an average defensive 1B…Still developing into his body…A guy to keep an eye on in 2013… MLB Comp: Todd Helton (post 2005)

17- Jose Ramirez RHP: Big fastball that consistently sits 92-94 with some 96’s…BA rated it as the best FA in the organization…He has 2 strong secondary pitches in a power change and a power slider and both show plus potential at times…MLB Comp: Max Scherzer

18- David Adams 2B: Very strong overall hitter…Makes consistent contact, with above average plate discipline and gap to gap power…Average defender at both 2B and 3B…ML-ready…MLB Comp: Jeff Keppinger

19- Mark Montgomery RHP: Solid fastball (sits around 90-91) with an amazing slider…Best in the organization according to BA…A legit swing and miss pitch…Needs to improve fastball command if he wants to be anything more than a set-up man…MLB Comp: Sergio Romo

20- Dante Bichette Jr 3B: Had a very disappointing year offensively in 2012…Made tremendous strides defensively…He still projects to be a good offensive prospect due to above average pitch recognition, plate discipline, hitting ability and power…Has a strong arm and soft hands defensively with solid range…MLB Comp: David Freese

21- Adam Warren RHP: Had another solid year…Looks like a long-term reliever…He throws 2 good fastballs, an average (sometimes above average) slider and a change-up…Good control of his pitches…Not much projection left…

22- JR Murphy C: Another player that had a disappointing year offensively…Has developed into a very good defensive catcher and his leadership skills are second to none on this list…He has good plate discipline and shows gap to gap power offensively…Needs to bounce back…

23- Cito Culver SS:…Plus plate discipline and defensive ability with average speed (for a MiF)…Shows above average range and elite arm strength defensively…Needs to make more consistent contact, work on swing mechanics and be more aggressive earlier in the count…MLB Comp: Nick Punto

24- Nick Goody RHP: Brilliant 2012 (14.6 K/9 and a 1.12 ERA in 32 IP) year after being drafted…Power reliever…Plus fastball (93-96) consistently with an above average slider…Strong command for a power pitcher…MLB Comp: Grant Balfour

25- Dellin Betances RHP: Awful 2012 season…Inconsistent command/delivery…Needs to regain form…Time is running out…Pure stuff is still as good as any…Power fastball (93-95) with movement and a knockout curveball…MLB Comp: AJ Burnett

26- Matt Tracy LHP: Had a breakout 2012 year…Got all the way to AAA in his first full season…Older guy (24 right now) he is near ML ready and shows a good 3 pitch mix…Fastball is in the 91-94 range and has average secondary pitches (CB and CH)…MLB Comp: Jon Niese

27- Daniel Camarena LHP: Solid 3-pitch mix…Fastball sits around 90 mph and throws both a curveball and change-up…Both are solid pitches but nothing great…Has tremendous command of all three pitches…He has a small stature and not much projection left…Looks like a steady prospect…MLB Comp: Wandy Rodriguez

28- Ravel Santana OF: Had a disappointing overall season in 2012 after coming back from a horrible ankle injury…He still has some of the best raw tools in the system and 2013 will be a big year for him…He has legit 20-20 potential…

29- Corey Black RHP: Power arm…Fastball velocity sits around 93-95 and has hit 100 on occasion…He commands it well but has minimal movement…Change-up is his best secondary pitch…Can’t spin a breaking ball and has a small stature…

30- Evan Rutckyj LHP: Big pitcher (standing 6’5) and former hockey player…Fastball sits around 91 comfortably and has really improved his slider…Command needs work but has made tremendous strides and had a solid 2012 campaign…

31- Pater O’Brien C: Big catcher (6’4 and about 225 lbs) and has big time power from the right side…He has plus arm strength but projects to be a 1B/COF/DH as he progresses forward…Offensively, he was compared to Pat Burrell during the draft…Needs to improve his plate discipline, however.

33- Tommy Kahnle RHP: One of the most talented arms in the system…Explosive fastball that regularly sits in the low-to-high 90’s…His change-up is a borderline plus pitch…His command has improved in 2012 and he will look to build on that…

34- Melky Mesa CF: Has some of the best tools in the organization…Plus arm strength, defensive skills, speed and above average power…He can’t make consistent contact and that’s his Achilles heel…Had a brief cameo at the ML level in 2012…Could make a fine 4th OF given his skills...

35- Branden Pinder RHP: Power stuff…Strong fastball/slider combo…Fastball that sits around 95 mph and a high 80’s slider…Incredible stuff but too often misses his location…Needs to be more consistent with his command…

36- Austin Aune SS: Very high offensive potential…Already has shown quick bat speed, the ability to hit the ball with authority and above average plate discipline…Has well above average speed, plus arm strength and plus athleticism…Has plus defensive skills but really needs to improve his defense and utilize his physical attributes.

37- Chase Whitley RHP: Big, strong kid…Had a very nice 2012 season in AAA (3.25 ERA)…ML ready…Has a 3 pitch repertoire which includes a fastball (around 90-93), change-up (best pitch) and slider (average offering). He’s more finesse than power but knows how to pitch…

38- Zoilo Almonte OF: Strong 2012 season in AA overall… .277 BA, 21 HR and 15 SB…Has nice tools…Needs to hit lefty pitching better and improve his plate discipline…Very average defensive player…Still fairly young at 23 and he should be ML ready soon…

39- Anderson Feliz 2B: Played through a lot of injuries in 2012…One of my sleeper prospects for 2012…Has plenty of tools including an above average hit tool, above average speed, plate discipline and plus defensive potential…Hit .279 across 2 levels (low-A and hi-A) with a .370 OBP in 2012…Should be a full-time player in Hi-A in 2013…

40- Angel Rincon RHP: Came over from the Dominican this past year…Strong debut (2.57 ERA and sub 1 WHIP in 9 games (6 starts))…Showed a strong fastball-curve combo…Fastball sits low 90’s and he commands it very wall…Has shown the ability to be a plus strike thrower…

41- Gabe Encias RHP: Poor 2012 year…Numbers don’t tell the entire story…His stuff has improved tremendously since being drafted…Sat 93-94 with his fastball (around 91 pre-velocity spike) and showed a much improved power curveball…He had trouble harnessing his improved pitches in 2012. 2013 will be a big year for him…

42- Jack Cave OF: Sleeper candidate…I see him being a top 10 organizational prospect by this time next year…Missed all of 2012 after he busted his knee cap in ST…6th round pick out of a Virginia HS in 2011 (got the highest signing bonus, I believe)…Is a strong and skilled overall prospect…Above average runner and plate discipline…Plus arm strength (ran his FB upto 94 as a prep pitcher)…Has shown the ability to hit the ball all over the field in instructs…MLB Comp: Nick Markakis

43- Miguel Andujar 3B: Youngest prospect on the list (doesn’t turn 18 till March)…Poor statistical season at GCL…Has a lot of good tools…Solid hit tool, shows good patience and has good defensive potential with above average speed…Power isn’t there yet but scouts believe he has 20 HR potential down the road. He has a chance to be an overall impact player and really move up in the rankings in the coming years…MLB Comp: Ryan Zimmerman

44- Zach Nuding RHP: Big guy (6’4 – 260)…Had a productive 2012 year (3.50 ERA and 1.3 WHIP) mostly in Hi-A…Big fastball (92-95, any given night), but with spotty command and very average secondary pitches…He needs to improve either his change or slider if he wants to ever make it to the ML.

45- Rookie Davis RHP: Pitched well in his debut season (sub 3.00 ERA)…Has an above average fastball-curveball combo at his disposal…Fastball sits in the low-90’s when right…Still very young…Needs to be more consistent with his stuff and improve his other offerings…

47- Ronny Bautista LHP: 6’7 Dominican lefty who had a very strong debut season for the GCL Yankees…His fastball was a bit disappointing (reportedly 93-97 in the DSL) at only 89-90 in 2012…He did make strides in improving his command and secondary pitches…If he can regain the lost velo, he’d shoot up the rankings…

48- Jordan Cote RHP: Very good statistically in the brief games he played in last season…Cote still has tons of projection left…Fastball was disappointing (sitting around 90 mph) last season…He needs to work on getting stronger and continue developing both his fastball velo and secondary pitches…

49- Shane Greene RHP: Some of the best power stuff in the system…Plus fastball velocity and movement, a borderline plus slider and an above average change-up…The guy also has some of the worst command in the system..He’s an older guy and he hasn’t cut it as a starter…He can make some strides and open some eyes with a shift to the bullpen…

50- Caleb Cotham RHP: Near ML-ready…Solid 4 pitch mix…FB (90-92), slider (85mph, best pitch), curveball and change-up…All 4 pitches grade out to be at least average and he commands them all well (best control in the organization according to BA)…Came back strong following his injury…MLB Comp: David Phelps